Potential Ornamental Marine Brachyuran Crabs available off Chennai

Thirty one potential ornamental, marine brachyuran crabs belonging to eleven families, namely Calappidae, Corystidae, Dorippidae, Dromiidae, Epialtidae, Galenidae, Leucosiidae, Matutidae, Parthenopidae, Portunidae and Xanthidae, landed by trawlers at Chennai Fisheries Harbour are reported. Their morphological/colour pattern, length range in the fishery and season of occurrence are given. Majority of these crabs are used as raw material in fish and poultry meal preparation. Their attractive colour and morphological features make them good candidates for aquarium purpose